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1000 PEOPLE WERE AT THE PARTY

Chris and Allison Benge were at the Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball at the Cox Center. Chris Benge is Oklahoma House Speaker. ( Photo by Bryan Terry).

Oklahoma House Speaker Chris Benge and his wife, Allison Benge, were hosts for the Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball at the Cox Center.The Oklahoma Summer Arts Institute at Quartz Mountain was the beneficiary of the evening’s proceeds. 1000 people attended the party.

The ballroom featured tall dramatic centerpieces of ivory and green flowers, crystals and candles. The stage was draped in white fabric and lighted with a star pattern.Host Senator Benge; Master of Ceremonies Joe Kelley, and Vice Chairman, Oklahoma Speaker’s Ball, Mark Liotta were on the program.

Rep. Don Armes was auctioneer for the Oklahoma Arts Institute live art auction. OAI Board Chairman Mike Joseph and Executive Director Julie Cohen were auction hosts.

Among the artwork up for auction were those donated by the Benges, Gov. Brad Henry and his wife, Kim; Senate Pro Tempore Glenn Coffee and his wife, Lisa; OU President David Boren and his wife, Molly, and OSU President Burns Hargis, as well as from art students from OSAI.
Allison and Chris Benge had the first dance to “Remember When.”  NashVegas All Stars was the band.